Tag Archive for: Heralds

EAGLES FLY INTO REGIONAL FINAL WITH WIN OVER HERALDS

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Photo Credit: MAHONING VALLEY SPORTS

Oberlin, OH – June 3, 2025
The Warren JFK Eagles earned a spot in the OHSAA Division VII Regional Final with an 8–1 win over the Saint John Heralds on Tuesday afternoon at Dill Field in Oberlin.

Saint John got off to a strong start, taking a 1 to 0 lead in the top of the first inning when Ezra Campbell grounded out to bring home a run. However, JFK responded quickly in the bottom of the second. Landon Snyder delivered a two-run double to give the Eagles a 2 to 1 advantage.

The Eagles added to their lead in the third inning. Dom Ryan doubled to center to drive in a run, and Taggart Carfangia followed with an RBI single, pushing the score to 4 to 1. JFK continued to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the game, eventually extending their lead to 8 to 1.

Andrew LaPolla earned the win for Warren JFK with a steady performance on the mound. The left-hander went the distance, allowing three hits and one run over seven innings. He struck out three and did not allow a walk.

Will Anderson started for Saint John and was charged with the loss. He pitched 2.1 innings, allowing four runs, two of them earned, on two hits while striking out two and walking five.

Offensively, Snyder led JFK with two hits and two RBIs, while Lucas Morrison also drove in a pair of runs. JFK showed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks as a team. Ryan and Freddy Bolchalk each reached base twice via walk.

For the Heralds, Anthony Severino, Brady Cole, and Ryan Williams each collected a hit, and Campbell accounted for the team’s RBI in the opening frame.

With the win, Warren JFK moves on to face the Tiffin Calvert Senecas in the Regional Final on Thursday, June 5 at 2:00 PM at Dill Field. The Heralds wrap up a successful postseason run with pride after reaching the regional stage.

HERALDS TAKE FIRST DISTRICT TITLE SINCE 1985 IN WIN OVER VIKINGS

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Photo Credit: Will Anderson

PARMA, OH – Great Scott! The Saint John Heralds just took a time machine back to the winner’s circle.

For the first time since 1985, the Heralds are district champions, defeating the Waterloo Vikings 9-6 on Friday afternoon at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus in the OHSAA Division IV District Final.

The victory ends a 40-year drought and punches Saint John’s ticket to the Regional Semifinals—a milestone moment that feels ripped straight out of a Back to the Future script.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the board. Anthony Severino brought in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning. Waterloo answered in the top of the second with a two-run single from Daniel Cunningham to briefly take a 2-1 lead.

But like any good comeback story, Saint John wasn’t going to stay in the past for long. Gus Petros tied things up at 2-2 in the bottom half of the second with an RBI single down the right field line.

Then came the defining moment. In the bottom of the third, the Heralds exploded for five runs on six hits. Ezra Campbell delivered the key swing of the inning with a two-run double that electrified the Saint John dugout and gave them a 7-2 lead. It was the kind of rally that would’ve made Doc Brown proud.

Will Anderson got the start on the mound and gave Saint John five strong innings, allowing just two hits and two runs while striking out three. Brady Cole and Ryan Williams came on in relief to secure the win.

Offensively, the Heralds tallied 10 hits. Campbell, Anderson, and Chase Newsome each had two-hit games, while Campbell and Petros drove in a pair of runs apiece. Cole swiped two of the team’s five stolen bases as Saint John applied pressure on the basepaths all day long.

Matthew Ralston led the Vikings with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Cunningham and Trevor Flarida each drove in two runs, while Landon McClain drew three of Waterloo’s six total walks.

With the win, Saint John advances to the OHSAA Regional Semifinal on Tuesday, June 3 at 2:00 PM at Oberlin College, where they will face the winner of the Warren JFK Eagles vs. Christian Central Comets.

From VHS to victory, this 2025 team has done what no Heralds squad has accomplished since parachute pants were in style. And now, with a district title in their pocket and momentum on their side, Saint John is ready to write the next chapter—no time machine required.

HERALDS FLY BY REDBIRDS TO DISTRICT FINAL

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ASHTABULA, OH — The Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA Division IV district championship with a commanding 11-1 victory over the Loudonville Redbirds in Thursday’s semifinal matchup at Smith Field.

Fueled by a six-run second inning, the Heralds took early control of the game and never looked back. The offensive explosion featured a run-scoring double by Dyln Newsome, RBI singles from Gus Petros and Ezra Campbell, a two-run double by Ryan Williams, and a Loudonville error that plated another run.

Saint John struck first in the opening frame when Campbell grounded out to bring in the game’s first run. The Heralds added three more in the third inning—highlighted by a double down the left field line from Will Anderson, an RBI groundout by Anthony Severino, and an infield single from Campbell that drove in a run.

On the mound,  freshman pitcher Gus Petros delivered a strong performance, allowing just two hits and one unearned run over five innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked one in the run-rule shortened contest.

Loudonville’s starter Dilan Wade lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up six runs—only two earned—on six hits, while walking and striking out one.

The Heralds racked up 12 hits on the day, with Campbell driving in a team-high three runs while going 2-for-4. Newsome, Anderson, Severino, Campbell, and Petros all had multi-hit performances to pace the Saint John offense.

Dakota Wright drove in Loudonville’s lone run. Trenton Gaines and Nic Buzzard each collected a hit for the Redbirds.

With the win, Saint John advances to the district championship game where they’ll face Atwater Waterloo on Friday, May 30 at 2 p.m. at Cuyahoga Community College.

HERALDS TOP BLUE JAYS TO WIN DISTRICT SEMI FINAL

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North Jackson, OH — Powered by a big night at the plate from Nadia Lagoa, the Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA District finals with a 10-5 victory over the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays in Monday’s district semi final.

Lagoa delivered in the clutch for the Heralds, finishing 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Her biggest swing came in the fifth inning when she roped a bases-clearing double to ignite a six-run rally. She added an RBI single in the sixth to cap off a dominant offensive performance.

Saint John wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the first inning. Maddie Holler drove a double to center to score the game’s first run, and Mary West followed with an RBI groundout to give the Heralds an early 2-0 edge.

The Bluejays battled back in the fourth inning, taking a 3-2 lead on run-scoring singles from Ivy McBeth and Gabby Kerr. But the Heralds responded with authority in the fifth. Five hits—including Lagoa’s three-run double—helped Saint John reclaim control of the game with an 8-3 lead.

Isabelle Holler went the distance in the circle for the Heralds. The right-hander scattered 10 hits over seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while striking out four and walking one.

Katie Byers pitched a complete game for Jackson-Milton, but was tagged with the loss after allowing 10 runs on 16 hits.

Saint John’s offense was relentless throughout the night, racking up 16 hits as a team. Rylee Schiedel, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, Rylee Frasure, and Bella Brent all had multi-hit games. On the basepaths, the Heralds were just as aggressive—swiping eight total bases, with Lagoa and Brent leading the way.

Jackson-Milton tallied 10 hits of their own, with Joslyn Cellars, Grace Johns, and McBeth each recording two. McBeth, Kerr, and Amani Yasin each drove in a run for the Bluejays. Defensively, Jackson-Milton played a clean game with no errors. Catcher Charly Estes led the way with 10 fielding chances.

With the win, the Heralds advance to the OHSAA District finals, where they will take on the Chalker Wildcats on May 21, 2025 in Jefferson.

ANDERSON NAILS 100TH CAREER HIT IN SENIOR NIGHT DOUBLE HEADER

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OHIO – It was a special afternoon at Smith Field as the Saint John Heralds celebrated Senior Night, honoring seniors Aaron Wychock, Dyln Newsome, Kyle Hejduk, Will Anderson, Ryan Williams, Sullivan Twinning, Manny Cooper, and Ezra Campbell. The Heralds capped the celebration with a dominant sweep of NAC rival Windham in a doubleheader. The day was made even more memorable when senior Will Anderson recorded his 100th career varsity hit in the first game.

Game 1 Recap: Saint John 12, Windham 1

Kyle Hejduk put on an offensive show in Game 1, going 3-for-3 with a triple, a double, and a single, leading Saint John to a 12-1 victory.

The Heralds opened the scoring in the second inning when Hejduk tripled to left, and RBI singles from Aaron Wychock and Manny Cooper followed. In the third, Saint John added more runs thanks to Hejduk’s double, a sacrifice fly by Ryan Williams, and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Sullivan Twinning.

A six-run fourth inning put the game out of reach. Wychock singled in a run, an error and a passed ball brought in two more, Will Anderson singled home another, and Anthony Severino capped the frame with a two-run single.

Anderson earned the win on the mound, pitching three innings while allowing five hits and just one run, striking out five without a walk. Ryan Williams came in for one inning of scoreless relief.

The Heralds totaled nine hits in the game, with Severino, Hejduk, and Wychock each driving in two runs. Twinning showed great patience at the plate, drawing three of the team’s seven walks.

Windham was led offensively by Dylan McCune, who drove in the Bombers’ lone run. McCune, M Bolyard, J Ridenbaugh, K Kiser, and Jack Eye each recorded a hit for Windham, who also turned a double play defensively.

Game 2 Recap: Saint John 10, Windham 0

Saint John picked up right where they left off in Game 2, blanking Windham 10-0 to complete the sweep.

The Heralds struck early, plating four runs in the first inning behind big hits from Anthony Severino, Ezra Campbell, Ryan Williams, and Aaron Wychock. They kept building in the second with a double by Campbell, an RBI single by Williams, and a sacrifice fly from Wychock.

On the mound, senior Dyln Newsome was outstanding, tossing four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five without issuing a walk.

Saint John collected 13 hits in the nightcap. Will Anderson, Campbell, and Williams each notched two hits, while Campbell, Wychock, Brady Cole, and Williams each drove in two runs. The Heralds were aggressive on the basepaths, racking up nine stolen bases, with Anderson, Hejduk, and Wychock swiping multiple bags.

Defensively, Saint John was sharp, turning a double play. Windham got hits from Cam Batterby and Michael Bolyard, and played error-free defense, with Jack Eye leading the Bombers with three defensive plays.

Saint John will look to continue their momentum when they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

BIG BATS STRONG ARMS PUSH HERALDS PAST BOMBERS

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Photo Credit: YSN

ASHTABULA, OH – The Saint John Heralds kicked off Senior Night in style Monday evening, riding a lights-out performance from pitcher Isabelle Holler to an 8-1 victory over the visiting Windham Bombers.

Holler was in command from the circle, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits and one run across seven innings. The right-hander also issued five walks but worked out of any jams to keep Windham in check all game long.

The Heralds wasted no time providing run support, plating five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nadia Lagoa got things started with an RBI groundout, followed by a pair of runs scored on Windham errors. Bella Brent delivered the big hit of the frame with a two-run single to cap the early outburst.

Saint John added to their lead in the second when Lagoa singled home another run, giving the center fielder two RBIs on the day. Lagoa finished 1-for-3 at the plate.

The Heralds racked up 13 hits in the win. Brent, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, and Rylee Frasure each recorded two hits, helping power the offense from top to bottom.

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Saint John’s lone senior, Gianna Torres. On her Senior Night, Torres delivered a strong showing, going 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. Fittingly, she sealed the victory by fielding a grounder and firing to first for the final out of the game.

Windham was limited offensively, with Breille Jones, Libby Inman, and Lillian Pesa-Garrett each tallying a hit. Elaina Tucker led the Bombers in patience at the plate with two walks as Windham drew five free passes overall. The Bombers also turned a double play defensively.

With the win, the Heralds look to carry momentum into their next matchup as they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

HERALDS BRING THE HEAT IN 16-10 SLUGFEST OVER DRAGONS

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Photo Credit: Saint John Athletics

Ashtabula, OH — Offense was the name of the game Thursday evening as the Saint John Heralds powered their way to a 16-10 victory over the Lakeside Dragons on the road. The Heralds’ bats came alive with a 20-hit performance, outpacing Lakeside’s seven-hit effort in a high-scoring affair.

Saint John wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard. Isabelle Holler, who had a stellar day at the plate, delivered a two-run single in the top of the first to give the Heralds an early lead. Holler would finish 3-for-5 with RBIs in both the first and sixth innings, collecting three singles on the day.

Caitlyn Carney extended the lead to 3-0 in the second inning with a clutch double down the left field line on an 0-2 count.

The big blow came in the third, when Saint John erupted for six runs on seven hits. RBI hits by Nadia Lagoa, Mary West, Gianna Torres, and Carney set the tone, while a Lakeside error allowed two more runs to cross the plate.

The Heralds weren’t done yet. They plated five more runs in the sixth behind another offensive surge. Rylee Frasure, Holler, and Maddie Holler each drove in runs with base hits, while Lagoa ripped a triple to bring in another. A defensive miscue from the Dragons capped off the rally.

Isabelle Holler also got it done in the circle, picking up the win after going five innings, allowing five hits and five runs (four earned), while striking out nine and walking two. Maddie Holler came on in relief to close things out.

Lakeside starter Ju Lavender took the loss, giving up 16 runs (12 earned) on 20 hits over five and two-thirds innings. She struck out four and walked two.

Offensively, the Heralds were led by Holler and Carney, who both tallied three hits apiece. Lagoa and Holler each drove in three runs. Rylee Schiedel, West, Frasure, and Bella Brent also had multi-hit performances, and the Heralds were aggressive on the basepaths, swiping seven total bases—two of them by Holler.

For Lakeside, N. Myers made the most of her day with three RBIs and one hit in two at-bats. The Dragons showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, with L. Cole and Lavender each earning two.

Saint John returns home Friday for a matchup against Pymatuning Valley.

5TH INNING BOMB BOOSTS BOARDMAN PAST HERALDS

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OH – A nine-run outburst in the fifth inning proved too much for the Saint John Heralds to overcome, as they fell to the visiting Boardman Spartans, 13-3, on Thursday afternoon at Smith Field.

Boardman got on the board in the top of the second inning when Kaden Mayhew reached on a fielder’s choice that brought in the game’s first run. The Spartans extended their lead in the third as Donovan Whippo roped a double to center, plating two more runs.

The fifth inning was the difference-maker, as Boardman erupted for nine runs on six hits. Ryan Neifer started the rally with a two-run single, and an error allowed another run to cross. Vince Butto followed with a two-RBI single, Mayhew tagged up to score on a fly ball, Tyler Kirlik knocked in a run with a single, and Whippo capped the frame with a two-run homer over the left field fence.

Kirlik earned the win on the mound for the Spartans, tossing 3.2 innings. He allowed four hits and three runs, striking out five while walking four. Saint John starter Aaron Wychock was tagged with the loss, going two innings and giving up four runs on three hits with five walks and one strikeout.

Saint John got on the board thanks to RBIs from Ezra Campbell, Wychock, and Ryan Williams. Wychock was a bright spot at the plate for the Heralds, finishing 2-for-3 to lead the team in hits.

Boardman tallied nine hits in total, with Whippo powering the offense. He went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a home run. Kirlik also contributed two hits in three at-bats, while Ivan Rudiak and Cory Pekkanen each drew two walks as part of the Spartans’ disciplined approach at the plate, finishing the day with seven total free passes.

Saint John will look to bounce back on Friday as they remain at home to host Pymatuning Valley.

SPARTANS CONQUER ON THE ROAD

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ASHTABULA OH- Boardman brought the bats on Thursday, putting up a big number in the fifth to take down St. John 13-3, powered by a four-RBI night from Landon Whippo.

Whippo was locked in, doubling in two runs in the third and then capping off the blowout with a two-run shot to left in the fifth. He finished with three hits and was a spark in the middle of the lineup.

The Spartans really broke it open in the fifth, hanging nine runs on the Heralds. Ryan Neifer started the rally with a two-run single, Kaden Mayhew and Vince Butto followed with RBI knocks of their own, and Grayson Eicher added a sac fly. Tyler Kirlik kept it rolling with another RBI single before Whippo cleared the bases with his homer.

Boardman got on the board in the second thanks to a fielder’s choice that brought in two. Then came Whippo’s double in the third to stretch the lead, and from there, it was all Spartans.

Kirlik picked up the win on the bump, tossing 3.2 innings and striking out five while allowing three runs—only two earned. Mason Nawrocki came in out of the bullpen and kept things quiet, throwing 1.1 innings of shutout ball.

The Spartans collected 10 hits as a team. Kirlik had a multi-hit day, and the lineup showed patience with seven walks. Ivan Rudiak and Cory Pekkanen each worked two free passes.

St. John got hits from four different players and RBIs from three, including a strong day defensively with no errors, but couldn’t keep up once Boardman’s lineup started cooking. Next up, the Spartans get set for a Saturday matchup with Cardinal Mooney.

MAPLEWOOD MOVES ON WITH THEIR PERFECT RECORD

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ASHTABULA OH- Maplewood was firing on all cylinders Monday, cruising past St. John 11-1 in a five-inning blowout.

The Rockets wasted no time getting on the board, thanks to a sac fly from Raegan Krieg in the first. Then they broke it wide open in the third, putting up five runs on five hits. Ava Calvert knocked in one with a double, Krieg added another RBI on a fielder’s choice, Lauran Krieg delivered a two-run single, and a St. John error helped plate another.

Addison Marker was lights out in the circle, tossing three no-hit innings with six punchouts and no walks. Emily Perline came in to close things down and lock up the win.

Calvert and Claire Urchek led the charge at the plate with two hits each, hitting back-to-back in the order and setting the tone. Krieg finished 1-for-2 with three RBIs and worked two walks. Maplewood showed great patience all game, drawing nine free passes and playing clean defense behind their pitchers—no errors and a double play turned.

For St. John, Nadia Lagoa had the lone RBI, and four Heralds picked up hits, but they couldn’t string anything together against Maplewood’s pitching. Next up, the Rockets welcome Windham on Wednesday, while St. John hits the road for a matchup with Grand Valley.